STMicroelectronics VNL5160S5-E
- Part No.:
- VNL5160S5-E
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
VNL5160S5-E.pdf
- Description:
- IC SW LOW SIDE 1CH 5A 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,212
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
VNL5160S5-E from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-qualified, monolithic low-side driver IC built with VIPower® technology, designed to switch resistive or inductive loads (e.g., R10W/2×R5W signal lamps) with one side connected to battery voltage. It delivers 3.5 A DC drain current, features 41 V overvoltage clamp, thermal shutdown with automatic restart, and integrated open-drain status output for diagnostics.
For engineers reviewing the VNL5160S5-E datasheet, VNL5160S5-E pinout, VNL5160S5-E application, or VNL5160S5-E equivalent, this device supports robust load control in harsh automotive environments where overtemperature, short-circuit, and open-load detection must be handled autonomously without external circuitry.
Technical Context
The VNL5160S5-E integrates a PowerMOS output stage with active current limitation (IlimH = 3.5–7.5 A), thermal shutdown at 150–200 °C, and fast demagnetization for inductive loads. Its logic-compatible input accepts 0.9 V (low) / 2.1 V (high) thresholds with 0.13 V hysteresis, enabling direct MCU I/O interfacing.
It includes dedicated diagnostic functions: open-load detection (VOL threshold 0.6–1.7 V), status pin with 0.5 V low-level output at 1 mA, and ESD protection up to 5 kV on DRAIN. The SO-8 package provides 103.1 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCBs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Drain Current (ID) | 3.5 A DC - supports automotive lamp loads up to R10W or dual R5W configurations without external heatsinking under typical ambient conditions. |
| RDS(on) | 160 mΩ @ 5 V, 1 A, 25 °C - ensures <170 mW conduction loss at 1 A, minimizing self-heating during sustained operation. |
| VCLAMP | 41 V (typ.) - clamps inductive kickback to protect downstream electronics during turn-off of 12 V automotive loads. |
| Thermal Shutdown Threshold | 150 °C (min.) - triggers automatic power cycling to prevent permanent damage during overload or poor PCB thermal design. |
| Status Pin Output | Open-drain, 0.5 V max @ 1 mA - enables wired-OR diagnostics and direct connection to 3.3 V/5 V MCU GPIO with pull-up resistor. |
| Input Hysteresis | 0.13 V - rejects noise on control lines in electrically noisy vehicle cabins, preventing false turn-on/off transitions. |
| ESD Protection (DRAIN) | 5000 V (HBM) - exceeds ISO 10605 requirements for automotive component robustness against electrostatic discharge. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SO-8 (ECOPACK®, RoHS-compliant, 5.8 × 4.9 mm footprint). Thermal performance optimized for 2 cm² copper pour on standard FR4 PCB.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| INPUT | CMOS-compatible logic input | Accepts 0.9–2.1 V logic levels; internal hysteresis prevents chatter; no external pull-up required. |
| DRAIN | PowerMOS drain terminal | Connects to load (e.g., lamp filament); handles up to 41 V clamp voltage during inductive flyback. |
| SOURCE | PowerMOS source & ground reference | Common return path for load current and internal control circuitry; must connect to system ground plane. |
| SUPPLY | 5 V logic supply input | Separate 4.5–5.5 V rail powers internal logic and diagnostics; decoupling capacitor required near pin. |
| STATUS | Open-drain diagnostic output | Asserts low during overtemperature, open-load, or undervoltage; high-impedance otherwise; requires external pull-up. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Automotive qualification | AEC-Q100 Grade 0 (−40 °C to +150 °C junction), certified for safety-critical lighting systems. |
| Integrated open-load detection | Validates load continuity before and during operation; reports fault via STATUS pin within 45–1100 µs of open condition. |
| Active power limitation | Maintains safe dissipation during prolonged overload by dynamically reducing current to limit power below thermal trip point. |
| Very low standby current | 10–25 µA supply current in off-state - minimizes battery drain in always-on vehicle modules (e.g., daytime running lights). |
| Low electromagnetic susceptibility | Immune to conducted/radiated noise per ISO 11452-4; eliminates need for additional filtering in compact lamp control units. |
Applications
| Automotive Signal Lamps | Body Control Modules (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving R10W or dual R5W incandescent turn-signal lamps in front/rear light clusters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlling lamp current path to chassis ground; manages inductive demagnetization energy during rapid flash cycles. Use Value: Eliminates need for external flyback diode and thermal foldback circuitry while meeting ECE R37 lamp life and flash rate stability requirements. |
Use Scenario: Managing auxiliary loads (e.g., interior lighting, door locks, HVAC actuators) in centralized vehicle control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Protected load driver with real-time status feedback to microcontroller; supports PWM dimming and fault logging. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by integrating current limiting, thermal protection, and diagnostics-enabling compact, cost-effective BCM designs. |
| Truck & Bus Lighting Systems | Aftermarket LED Conversion Kits |
Use Scenario: Controlling high-current stop/tail lamps (up to 3.5 A) in commercial vehicles with wide battery voltage range (9–16 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust low-side driver with 41 V clamp and 5 kV ESD tolerance; withstands load dump transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. Use Value: Ensures reliable operation across extended temperature and voltage extremes without derating or external TVS components. |
Use Scenario: Retrofitting legacy incandescent sockets with modern LED assemblies requiring precise current regulation and fault reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Load interface with open-load detection to distinguish between LED failure and wiring disconnect. Use Value: Enables plug-and-play compatibility with OEM harnesses while providing diagnostic visibility for end-user troubleshooting. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-side driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS27082L (Texas Instruments) | Lower RDS(on) (80 mΩ), but only 2.5 A rated; no integrated open-load detection; requires external status monitoring. | Best suited for space-constrained, lower-current applications where diagnostics are handled externally. | Select when board area is critical and load current ≤2.5 A; verify external fault handling meets functional safety goals. |
| BTS7008-1EPA (Infineon) | Higher current rating (6 A), integrated current sense (0.5 V/A), but larger PG-DSO-8 package and higher quiescent current (100 µA). | Preferred for systems requiring analog current feedback or higher drive capability beyond 3.5 A. | Choose when real-time current monitoring or >3.5 A peak load support is mandatory; accept larger footprint and higher idle power. |
Compared with TPS27082L and BTS7008-1EPA, the VNL5160S5-E uniquely balances automotive-grade protection, integrated diagnostics, and SO-8 form factor for mid-power lamp control-offering optimal trade-offs in cost, reliability, and design simplicity for R10W-class applications.
Availability
VNL5160S5-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting systems, body control modules, commercial vehicle signaling, and aftermarket LED retrofit solutions requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.
Supply support for VNL5160S5-E includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management ICs with strong vertical integration and AEC-Q100 validation infrastructure.
The VNL5160S5-E belongs to ST's OMNIFET III family-designed specifically for robust, protected low-side switching in automotive lighting and body electronics where reliability, diagnostics, and thermal resilience are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous load current the VNL5160S5-E can drive in free-air conditions?
The VNL5160S5-E supports 3.5 A DC drain current continuously when mounted on a standard SO-8 PCB layout with ≥2 cm² copper pour and ambient temperature ≤85 °C. At higher temperatures or reduced copper area, current must be derated per the 103.1 °C/W Rthj-amb value and thermal shutdown threshold of 150 °C.
Does the STATUS pin require an external pull-up resistor, and what voltage level is compatible?
Yes-the STATUS pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up resistor to a logic-compatible voltage (3.3 V or 5 V). It sinks up to 1 mA with ≤0.5 V drop, ensuring clean low-level assertion for MCU GPIO detection. Pull-up values between 4.7 kΩ and 10 kΩ are recommended for noise immunity and speed.
How does the VNL5160S5-E handle inductive load demagnetization, and is an external freewheeling diode needed?
The device integrates active clamp circuitry that limits VDS to 41 V during turn-off, safely dissipating demagnetization energy internally. No external freewheeling diode is required-verified for 8.5 mH inductive loads with 13.5 V supply and 37 mJ single-pulse avalanche energy rating.
Can the VNL5160S5-E be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller I/O without level-shifting?
No-its INPUT pin requires VIH ≥2.1 V and VIL ≤0.9 V, but its SUPPLY pin mandates 4.5–5.5 V. A 3.3 V MCU can drive INPUT directly (since 3.3 V > 2.1 V), but the IC itself must be powered from a separate 5 V rail; logic and supply domains are isolated per datasheet Figure 8.
VNL5160S5-E Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- OMNIFET III™, VIPower™
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Switch Type:
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- -
- Output Configuration:
- Low Side
- Output Type:
- -
- Interface:
- -
- Voltage - Load:
- 3.5V ~ 5.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- -
- Current - Output (Max):
- 3.5A
- Rds On (Typ):
- 160mOhm
- Input Type:
- Non-Inverting
- Features:
- -
- Fault Protection:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
VNL5160S5-E FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VNL5160S5-E through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VNL5160S5-E on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for VNL5160S5-E reliable?
The price and inventory of VNL5160S5-E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VNL5160S5-E is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VNL5160S5-E?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VNL5160S5-E transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VNL5160S5-E?
VNL5160S5-E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VNL5160S5-E order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for VNL5160S5-E?
For technical support, including VNL5160S5-E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VNL5160S5-E requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VNL5160S5-E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VNL5160S5-E products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that VNL5160S5-E meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VNL5160S5-E?
All VNL5160S5-E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VNL5160S5-E, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The VNL5160S5-E part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VNL5160S5-E:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
VNL5160S5-E Tags

-
TPS22919DCKR
Texas Instruments

-
MIC2091-1YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC2090-1YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
TPS22995RZFR
Texas Instruments

-
TPS22975DSGR
Texas Instruments

-
SIP32510DT-T1-GE3
Vishay Siliconix

-
ULN2003D1013TR
STMicroelectronics

-
MIC2005A-1YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC2005A-1YM6-TR
Microchip Technology

-
TPS22916BYFPR
Texas Instruments

-
TPS22917DBVR
Texas Instruments
-
ULN2003APWR
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

